Molly Shaffer 6/22/20 Molly Shaffer 6/22/20

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Power Up by Jessie Mattis

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Coffee Break Book Reviews.

This week, I interviewed the amazing author, Jessie Mattis, about her debut middle grade novel, Power Up. If you enjoy reading books filled with self discovery, faith, and a good dose of the Holy Spirit, then you’ll love Power Up.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy!

Thanks for watching and don’t forget to like and subscribe. Tune in next week for another episode of #CoffeeBreakBookReviews. If you’re interested in buying this week’s book, click the link below.

TTFN… ta ta for now.

Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SG8R4Q8/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1#ace-g1639449406

Molly Shaffer 6/15/20 Molly Shaffer 6/15/20

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Ghost by Jason Reynolds

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Coffee Break Book Reviews.

This week, I reviewed the first book in The Track Series, Ghost, by Jason Reynolds. If you enjoy reading books filled with authentic characters, coming of age wisdom, and impeccable storytelling then you’ll love Jason Reynold’s book, Ghost.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy!

TTFN… ta ta for now.

Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ghost-Track-Jason-Reynolds/dp/1481450158

Molly Shaffer 6/12/20 Molly Shaffer 6/12/20

Bunny Tales with Zeb: Episode 11: Goldilocks and the Three Little Bears

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic fairytales. Please join us as we read the enlightening tale, “Goldilocks and the Three Bears.” One could say this is a beary instructive tale . *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb.

How can you help?

If you’re inspired by our video and want to adopt your own bunny, click here. This bunny rescue, Kribs for Kritters, is based out of Lake Elsinore, California. If you don’t want to adopt, you can always financially gift this rescue. Jude, the lady in charge, has devoted her entire life to helping rabbits, and she’s incredibly generous and selfless. I’d love for her to be blessed for all of the sacrifices and dedication she gives to these sweet babies.

Jude is so amazing that she’s agreed to help me host a bunny adoption event every week on Bunny Tales with Zeb; that is, if she’s not too busy saving all the bunnies. This week, she sent me the most adorable bunnies. Meet Thelma and MacIntosh.

Thelma is the sweet cinnamon bunny and her husBUN is MacIntosh. He was found under an apple tree, so his name fits him perfectly. Both buns love to snuggle and eat snacks. Not only does this duo love each other, but they adore hidey boxes, fluffy blanks, and doing binkies in unison. If you’re interested in adopting this sweet pair, please understand they must be adopted together. Let’s help find these buns their FURever home. Contact Jude by clicking here.

Tune in next week for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

Molly Shaffer 6/8/20 Molly Shaffer 6/8/20

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Tranquility by Christa Conklin

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Coffee Break Book Reviews.

This week, I tried something different. I interviewed the talented fantasy author, Christa Conklin, about her debut young adult fantasy novel, Tranquility. Make sure you watch until the end of the interview to see which classic rock musician Christa is related to… it pretty much shook me. So, if you enjoy reading books filled with amazing characters, unique worlds, and the fight between good and evil, then you’ll love Christa Conklin’s book, Tranquility.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy!

TTFN… ta ta for now.

Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Tranquility-Christa-Conklin/dp/194888867X

Molly Shaffer 6/5/20 Molly Shaffer 6/5/20

Bunny Tales with Zeb: Episode 10: The Three Little Pigs

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic fairytales. Please join us as we read the cautionary tale, “The Three Little Pigs.” One could say this is a long winded tale. *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb.

How can you help?

Galileo has soft obsidian fur, and he is such a cuddle bunny. He is new to Kribs for Kritters, but he is ready to go for adoption. If you want a lap bunny who loves to snuggle, then Galileo is the bun for you. Click the link if you’re interested in giving Galileo a FURever home. Contact Jude by clicking here.

Tune in next week for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

Molly Shaffer 6/1/20 Molly Shaffer 6/1/20

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Ego is the Enemy

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Coffee Break Book Reviews.

If you enjoy reading books filled with authentic wisdom to help you grow, then you’ll love Ryan Holiday’s book, Ego is the Enemy.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy.

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Tune in next week for another episode of Coffee Break Book Reviews. If you’d like to read this book, click the link below.

TTFN… Ta Ta For Now!

Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Ego-Enemy-Ryan...

Molly Shaffer 5/29/20 Molly Shaffer 5/29/20

Bunny Tales with Zeb: Episode 9: Little Red Riding Hood

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic fairytales. Please join us as we read the timeless tale, “Little Red Riding Hood.” One could say the wolf has a tail of his own to spin. *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb.

How can you help?

Griff and Brissa are an adventurous duo who love to indulge their curiosities. Griff is a dapper boy who adores his brunette bunny queen, Brissa. They’d make any family complete. If you’re interested in giving Griff and Brissa a FURever home, please contact Jude by clicking here.

Tune in next week for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

Molly Shaffer 5/27/20 Molly Shaffer 5/27/20

So, You Want to Be Successful? Maybe… Maybe Not

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

— Frederick Douglass

I get down in the dumps a lot… often… almost daily. This is because I have severe depression coupled with a whole lotta anxiety. One minute I can be quilling it and writing my best life, and seconds later, I can feel like I’m going no where, and my dreams are unattainable. It’s exhausting. I combat these blues by working in my garden, going on long walks with my dogs, reading great books, and talking with my hubby or super hero therapist. Even with all of these outlets, it’s still exhausting.

Perhaps, my depression stems from my fears of success… not that I will be successful. On the contrary, my fear is that I will never be successful enough. Then, my anxiety drop kicks me in the head, and I start spiraling into a scarcity complex. “What if I never publish a book in the traditional way? What if I never write another book? What if I’m just wasting my time, talent, and breath? What if….” It’s relentless.

A better question for me to ponder, instead of the incessant queries above, is what is my definition of success? Will I feel successful when I get a traditional book contract? Probably not. Will I feel successful when I have a cover reveal? Not really. Will I finally feel successful when I sell all the copies of the book I want to sell? I doubt it.

See, my definition of success isn’t really entwined in getting a book published. In fact, that’s a tiny part of the puzzle. I want to write great books. I want to touch minds and hearts with the flow of the words on the pages. I want my sentences to be living, breathing art that long out live me. I guess in the end, I want to be remembered.

Isn’t that really the point? What if the point of wanting to be successful is because I’m afraid of being forgotten, abandoned, not enough. What if all this work is to prove I am worth it, dang it? What if I’m looking at this picture with the wrong set of lenses? What if success isn’t really the point?

The more I contemplate this, the more I come to realize that I’m striving to be somebody great, but instead, I should strive to do something great. Not because it makes me popular. Not because it makes the crowd applaud my efforts. Not because it gives me credibility. Doing something great, regardless of the recognition… now, there’s a novel idea. An idea planted in my head by Ryan Holiday in the book Ego is the Enemy (which I’m reviewing on Monday).

So, where does this leave me? I’m not entirely certain. One thing I know for sure, I don’t want to stay stuck in this rut that is my misguided definition of success. Maybe the point of this post, dear reader, is to say I don’t have it all figured out. Maybe I never will. But… at least I’m trying.

Molly Shaffer 5/24/20 Molly Shaffer 5/24/20

An Open Letter to Those I Hurt in High School

I could start this post with excuses, and though I have many, that’s not what I want to write. Instead, I’d like to give an explanation and an apology that is long overdue.

When I was in high school, I was a broken and hurt individual. So much so that anyone I believed to be a threat to me became a target for my rage, and far too many people where threats to me. Truth be told, I was terribly insecure. (Who isn’t insecure in high school?) Yet, there was so much more going on.

As a young kid, I was sexually, physically, and mentally abused by someone close to me. When I became a teenager, I didn’t know how to deal with all the trauma, so I buried it deep, not knowing that what I buried I would cultivate in my life. So, I buried anger. I buried resentment. I buried pain. And those seeds blossomed into thorns of the worst kind. Thorns that killed me from the inside out and pierced anyone who got too close. This is not a new story. In fact, it’s an all too familiar one. Hurt people hurt people. But they don’t have to.

As a grown woman, I’ve learned to give the teenager within me grace. I’ve helped her heal and find safety, and in doing so, it’s time we both make peace with the pain we inflicted on others. So, if you fell victim to my vicious mouth, and if I made you feel as small as I felt, I am sorry. I’m so sorry that I hurt you. I’m so sorry that I used my words as weapons. I’m so sorry I deflected my pain onto you. I’m just so very sorry.

As this post comes to an end, I realize I may never reach the people I harmed in high school, and I have to be okay with that. Sometimes you don’t get a second chance to apologize. Instead, I hope I reach anyone who has ever been bullied or has bullied others. You don’t have to live in that painful past. You can move forward. Recognize what happened to you, admit it sucked, and become better than you were yesterday. It’s as simple and as difficult as that. Healing usually is.

Molly Shaffer 5/22/20 Molly Shaffer 5/22/20

Bunny Tales with Zeb: Episode 8: “The Water Sprite”

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic fairytales. Please join us as we read the whimsical tale, “The Water Sprite.” One could say it’s a refreshing tale. *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb.

How can you help?

Jude is so amazing that she’s agreed to help me host a bunny adoption event every week on Bunny Tales with Zeb; that is, if she not too busy saving all the bunnies. This week, she sent me the sweetest bun who was one of 100 bunnies rescued from a SoCal park. Meet Dempsey.

Dempsey is such a fun loving boy, and he loves to play with his Slinky toy for fun. He also is precocious and loves to rearrange his blankets in his area, which is a sight to behold. Two of his favorite ways to receive love is to have his head rubbed and be given a hefty treat of fresh dandelions from your front yard. If you’re interested in giving Dempsey a FURever home, please contact Jude by clicking here.

Tune in next week for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

Molly Shaffer 5/18/20 Molly Shaffer 5/18/20

Coffee Break Book Reviews: The White Star Truck Stop and Motor Lodge: Air Force One By Christopher Rector

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Coffee Break Book Reviews.

If you enjoy reading gritty books about post-apocalyptic America, then you’ll love Christopher Rector’s book, The White Star Truck Stop and Motor Lodge: Air Force One.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy.

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Tune in next week for another episode of Coffee Break Book Reviews. If you’d like to read this book, click the link below.

TTFN… Ta Ta For Now!

Buy the book by clicking here.

Molly Shaffer 5/15/20 Molly Shaffer 5/15/20

Bunny Tales with Zeb: Episode 7: “The Three Wishes”

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic fairytales. Please join us as we read the humorous tale, “The Three Wishes.” One could say it’s a wish come true. *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb.

How can you help?

Jude is so amazing that she’s agreed to help me host a bunny adoption event every week on Bunny Tales with Zeb; that is, if she not too busy saving all the bunnies. This week, she sent me the sweetest bonded bunny pair that are available for adoption. Meet Alston and Blanchette.

Alston and Blanchette are a bonded pair and have to be adopted together. Blanchette is the larger bunny, and her loving blue eyes appear to be lined with eyeliner. Alston also has stunning blue eyes, and both bunnies are incredibly loving. They want to snuggle up and be pet all the live long day, which is not always the case with bunnies. If you’re interested in giving Alston and Blanchette a FURever home, please contact Jude by clicking here.

Update: Alston and Blanchette found their FURever home! Yay! Please check out the other bunnies up for adoption. 🐰💜🐰

Tune in next week for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

Molly Shaffer 5/14/20 Molly Shaffer 5/14/20

Every Rose Has It’s Thorn… Stupid Thorn: #TruthThursday

Yesterday, I went on one of the greatest walks of all time with my husband and our dogs. We enjoyed the overcast sky, as the sun peeked through sporadically. The breeze knew exactly when to pick up and gently surround us. And don’t get me started on the tree lined streets and magnificent view of our neighborhood. I felt great. I felt strong. I felt like the pieces of my healthy life were finally coming together, and then I stepped on a thorn… like a real huge thorn.

We have agave plants in our back yard, and somehow, the tip of one of those suckers made its way in front of our garden. It has become my habit to water our garden when we come back from our daily walks, and so, that is what I was doing when the thorn pricked my flip flop and sank into the ball of my foot. Can you say, OUCH?

My husband says this all sounds like a fairy tale gone bad. “Then, the maiden pricked her foot on the thorn and fell into a deep sleep for 100 years.” Hopefully, I’ll live happily ever after when this stupid puncture heals, but right now, I’m sitting on the couch, leg elevated, missing my beautiful walk from yesterday.

This morning, I tried to walk a bit, but the pain in my foot is no joke. I can’t believe a simple thorn can do such damage… but isn’t that just slap you in the face symbolic of life? Here you are going through your day, killing it, and feeling mighty, when some dumb old thorn punctures your bliss bubble, and you’re knocked on your rump, again. Typical. Right?

Though I know this is just an annoying setback, it still chaps my hide. I want to walk my dang dogs, but my stupid swollen foot screams every time I take a step. So, instead of putting on my walking shoes, I’ll just sit here, drink my coffee, and complain to you. Ha! Sounds about right. I know that if I can just be patient, and allow my foot to heal, I’ll be back on that beautiful walk in a few days. Now, if I can just tell that to my stubborn heart… that’d be great.

Molly Shaffer 5/11/20 Molly Shaffer 5/11/20

Coffee Break Book Reviews: The Reveal…

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Episode 4 of Coffee Break Book Reviews.

This week, I’m changing things up a bit. Instead of having a book review, I’m going to reveal the winner of my Twitter contest. Last Monday, I got this incredible idea (thanks Ryan Holiday) to ask the #WritingCommunity to enter a contest for the chance to have their book reviewed on Coffee Break Book Reviews, and after loads of entries… I have a winner! If you’d like to know which book won, click the video below. If your book did not get chosen, don’t fret. Next month, I’ll do another Twitter contest. This is such fun.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy.

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Tune in next week for another episode of Coffee Break Book Reviews. If you’d like to read this book alongside me, click the link below.

TTFN… Ta Ta For Now!

Buy the book by clicking here.

Molly Shaffer 5/8/20 Molly Shaffer 5/8/20

Bunny Tales with Zeb: “Beauty and the Beast”

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic fairytales. Please join us as we read the timeless tale, “Beauty and the Beast.” One could say it’s a tale as old as time. *wink, wink*

We hope you enjoy this episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb.

How can you help?

Jude is so amazing that she’s agreed to help me host a bunny adoption opportunity every week on Bunny Tales with Zeb; that is, if she isn’t too busy saving all the bunnies. This week, she sent me the sweetest bunny that’s available for adoption. Meet Bernstein the bunny.

Hello, my name is Bernstein.

I’m looking for my FURever home.

Bernstein is a French Angora mix, with loads of fluffy fur, compassionate eyes, and a soothing nature. Not only is this precious bun loving, he is in dire need of a FURever family. His mate just passed away, and he is incredibly lonely. If you’re interested in adopting Bernstein, please contact Jude by clicking here.

Tune in next week for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

Molly Shaffer 5/4/20 Molly Shaffer 5/4/20

Coffee Break Book Reviews: Uninvited By Lysa Terkeurst

Do you love bold coffee? How about a good book? What if you could combine the two for a much needed break? Then, come enjoy some magic bean juice with me as I present Episode 3 of Coffee Break Book Reviews.

If you enjoy reading books about growing into a better version of yourself and loving who you were created to be, then, you’ll love Lysa Terkeurst’s book, Uninvited: Living Loved When You Feel Less Than, Left Out, and Lonely.

Now, sit back, take a sip, and enjoy.

Thanks for watching. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe. Tune in next week for another episode of Coffee Break Book Reviews. If there is a book you’d like me to review, please leave the title of the book in the comments below.

TTFN… Ta Ta For Now!

Buy the book by clicking here.

Molly Shaffer 5/1/20 Molly Shaffer 5/1/20

Bunny Tales with Zeb Episode 5: “Jack and the Beanstalk”

Welcome back to Bunny Tales with Zeb. This week we’re taking another journey into classic fairytales. Please join us as we read the adventurous tale, “Jack and the Beanstalk.”

We hope you enjoy this episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb.

How can you help?

Tune in next week for another episode of Bunny Tales with Zeb. TTFN!

Ta Ta For Now!

Molly Shaffer 4/30/20 Molly Shaffer 4/30/20

Finding Peace in the Little Things: #ThankfulThursday

“It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.”

— Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

The pinks and purples illuminate the gray clouds, and a symphony of song awakens the air from hidden birds in the trees. It is a new day with new opportunities. I breathe in the crisp air and allow the morning mist to kiss my face. This is my new normal, waking up before the sun rises and walking the dogs with my husband in order to watch the beginning of another day. It is majestic.

I’ve never been an early riser. In fact, I relished those moments where I could sleep in. I would moan and groan with each new morning, frustrated that I had to get up and begin the chaos of life, once again. The way I began my morning set the tone for the rest of my day. It’s no wonder that I always felt rushed and irritated.

So, what sparked this change? My husband and I were watching an interview with author and philosopher, Ryan Holiday, on the Glenn Beck Show. They discussed stoicism, our ever changing world, and how to find peace amid the chaos. One of the habits that both men swear by is waking up before the sun rises to meditate on the splendor of that moment: the beauty of a fresh start. I figured I would give it a shot.

For this entire week, my husband and I have welcomed in the sun. We hardly speak during this fifteen minute walk. Instead, we allow the splendid silence of renewal to envelope us. This week, I have felt more peace. This week, I have been more productive, and all this has occurred because I changed how I viewed my mornings.

So, as Sir Arthur Conan Doyle observed, it is the little things that matter most.

"Is what I'm doing making the world a better place? Yes or no?" When best-selling author Ryan Holiday took a good look in the mirror and answered "no," his w...

Molly Shaffer 4/29/20 Molly Shaffer 4/29/20

Finding Emotional Endurance: #WiseWednesday

As I age, I’m realizing the only person I can control or change is myself. One of my go to responses when I’m stressed or frightened is fight or flight—most often fight. This has caused many relationships to crumble, including my first marriage. I don’t know about you, but I intend to have meaningful relationships with those I love. This means being vulnerable, which can lead me back toward that fight or flight cycle.

The solution I have found best when I feel the warning signals blaring within my body, is to take a step back and determine why I’m feeling that emotional response. If you also struggle in this area, follow these steps:

Acknowledge your feelings and don’t push past them too swiftly.
Feel the emotions and find the motivation behind them.
Remind yourself that there is nothing wrong with emotions, but you may also concede that having self control is proof of spiritual wisdom.

Finding the cause behind our feelings can lead to emotional endurance. I’d like to finish this life race well, and the only way I can see that happening is becoming prudent with my moods. My emotions tend to be more heightened than the average person. Probably, due to the fact that I am highly creative. Yet, this doesn’t mean I am unbalanced. Instead of allowing my emotions to dictate and control my circumstances, I wade through my sentiments, and in doing so, I honor the woman I was crafted to be.

You may call me emotional, dramatic, and passionate, and you’d be correct. I’m all of that and so much more. No longer will I apologize for my emotions, or allow others to diminish my worth because I feel too deeply.

Sorry, not sorry.

Molly Shaffer 4/28/20 Molly Shaffer 4/28/20

I am an Egomaniac: #TruthTuesday

There is a fine line between confidence and egomania, and I have come to realize that too often I stand on the side of ego. This is not the legacy I want to leave behind. Instead, I want to be known for my compassion and acts of servitude, but then I ask myself why? Why do I feel the need to be known at all? The answer is simple: I AM AN EGOMANIAC.

Over the years, I’ve learned that the first step to change bad habits is to admit the bad habit exists. That being said, I am quite aware that my ego is beyond my control, for the moment. In order to check myself before I wreck myself (wisdom from Ice Cube), I need practical tools. Enter the new book I’ve begun reading: Ego is the Enemy By Ryan Holiday.

Though I have only just begun this book, the first part of it has proven to be incredibly beneficial. So far, I’ve learned some practical information, which I know will help me grow into a more humble human being (and my husband is rejoicing). Below is a list of five truths I’ve learned thus far. Perhaps these facts will help you, as well.

Ego stops us from reaching our dreams and destinations.
To whatever I aspire to, ego is my enemy, and the path to ambition is a dangerous one.
Instead of allowing my work and goals to be driven by achievement and ego, I must be driven by a strong sense of purpose. Specifically, I must question my motives for wanting success.
The point of building self-esteem actually makes me weak because I am focused more on my accolades and talents then on improving myself.
”The ability to evaluate one’s own ability is the most important skill of all. Without it, improvement is impossible.”

Ryan Holiday should be given all of the mics in order to drop them all… wait, is that my ego trying to impose itself onto him. Yes, yes it is. *Face palm*

If you’d like to get a copy of this book, click the link above, or you can listen to it on Audible. Just click here to get a free 30 day trial. Say what?